If your wireless connection is weak, I recommend the 'wired' option 2.
Option 1
Apple VGA adapter: Cost: $29 Works with iPad 2 and iPad 3 (also with other iDevices with 30 pin connector, i.e. iPod Touch and iPhone) Link to VGA adapter in Apple Store Cost: $49
Works with 4th generation iPad, iPad Mini, and iPhone 5 (iDevices that have Lightning connector)
Apple TV (HDMI) converted to VGA, with KVM: ~$176
If you don't have an HDMI projector, then you will need a converter between the Apple TV and your VGA projector. My suggestion is to use a KVM Switch in this situation also, otherwise you will need to purchase VGA and audio cables to get everything connected. Link to HDMI to VGA converter.
All other equipment is listed in options 1-3.
Option 5
Use Reflector or AirServer: $14.99 (If your computer and iPad can be on the same network)
These applications use 'Air Play' to project an image onto your computer screen. Link to Reflector. Link to AirServer.
**In Uintah School District our 'wired' connection and our 'wireless' connection are not on the same network, so more than likely, your desktop computer is not connected to the same network as your iPad. Reflection and AirServer won't work in this situation. A wireless adapter is needed to put your desktop computer and iPad on the same network, the wireless network. The wireless connection is not nearly as good as the wired connection, and if the wireless signal in your classroom is weak, this isn't a good option. If you have a good connection in your classroom, this is the option I would recommend. Your computer can easily be switched between a wired and wireless connection. $39 Link to Netgear Wireless Adapter.
There are many other options for wireless adapters.
AirServer or Reflection: $14.99
Wireless adapter: $39
Total: roughly $54
I recommend option 5 for the wireless option.
If your wireless connection is weak, I recommend the 'wired' option 2.
Option 1
Apple VGA adapter: Cost: $29 Works with iPad 2 and iPad 3 (also with other iDevices with 30 pin connector, i.e. iPod Touch and iPhone)Link to VGA adapter in Apple Store
Works with 4th generation iPad, iPad Mini, and iPhone 5 (iDevices that have Lightning connector)
Option 2
Use the Apple VGA adapter($29) with a KVM switch (~$40): Cost ~$70
This setup allows you to switch back-and-forth between your computer and iPad.
Link to KVM switch
Link to VGA adapter in Apple Store
Option 3
Apple TV directly connected to an HDMI projector: ~$102**A good wireless signal is needed for Apple TV to run efficiently.
Link to Apple TV in Apple Store.
Link to HDMI cable.
Option 4
Apple TV (HDMI) converted to VGA, with KVM: ~$176If you don't have an HDMI projector, then you will need a converter between the Apple TV and your VGA projector. My suggestion is to use a KVM Switch in this situation also, otherwise you will need to purchase VGA and audio cables to get everything connected.
Link to HDMI to VGA converter.
All other equipment is listed in options 1-3.
Option 5
Use Reflector or AirServer: $14.99 (If your computer and iPad can be on the same network)These applications use 'Air Play' to project an image onto your computer screen.
Link to Reflector.
Link to AirServer.
**In Uintah School District our 'wired' connection and our 'wireless' connection are not on the same network, so more than likely, your desktop computer is not connected to the same network as your iPad. Reflection and AirServer won't work in this situation. A wireless adapter is needed to put your desktop computer and iPad on the same network, the wireless network. The wireless connection is not nearly as good as the wired connection, and if the wireless signal in your classroom is weak, this isn't a good option. If you have a good connection in your classroom, this is the option I would recommend. Your computer can easily be switched between a wired and wireless connection.
Link to Netgear Wireless Adapter.
There are many other options for wireless adapters.
AirServer or Reflection: $14.99
Wireless adapter: $39
Total: roughly $54